Product or service details: Specify Description, Quantity, Rate, Amount and Subtotal. The more details you include on the invoice, the better. This way, your client will know exactly what they are paying for upon receiving the invoice. Make sure that your client can understand every item, so that as soon as they receive the invoice, they can pay you instead of asking questions and delaying the process.

Templates will help you get your invoice format right, because all the fields are preset. You just have to open it up and fill it out. You can give yourself a head start by setting up templates for specific types of jobs, or certain customers – with a lot of the details already filled out.

Terms (or Payment Terms): Invoice terms depend on common practices of your industry, your relationship with the customer, and your cash flow needs. For example, “Net 30” means that the invoice is due 30 days after the Invoice Date. Be mindful some businesses may pay later than the stated due date, so you may want to include a buffer to keep your business free from a cash flow gap.

Your client wants to know exactly where their money is going, and your invoice is a great vehicle for communicating the nitty gritty details of the job. Be specific rather than general with your line items. Instead of listing “materials” as a single expense, list each one on its own line, such as: paint, nails, plywood, etc. It’s also a good idea to attach receipts to back your claims. Don’t risk having your customer wonder if you’re padding the bill.